USA Basketball payment could cost a top HS basketball player her season

Maori Davenport, one of the top girls basketball players in the country, has been suspended for breaking an Alabama rule regarding payment for playing on the USA National Basketball team.

USA Basketball pays players small amounts during its summer programs to help them recover costs including lost wages and employment opportunities, said USA Basketball spokesman Craig Miller.

Typically, the organization checks with the high school federations to determine whether the players are allowed to accept payment. Because Davenport was one of the only players on the U18 team who still had a year left of high school eligibility, USA Basketball did not check with the Alabama High School Athletic Association before sending the money.

Al.com reported and Miller confirmed that Davenport was paid less than $900.

The AHSAA does not allow payment of more than $250, according to Al.com.